Golfing This Summer: Turn Your Game into Rewards
Golfing This Summer? How to Turn It into a Rewarding Experience
Welcome to sunny San Diego, where golf courses are ready, and players are eager to tee off! With summer around the corner, many folks are planning their vacations, and believe it or not, hitting the links is becoming a popular pick for a relaxing getaway. Why? Because golf and social distancing are a perfect match!
Picture this: a beautiful public golf course, a gentle breeze, and the sound of a perfectly struck golf ball soaring through the sky. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an occasional player, golfing this summer can be both a fun hobby and a savvy financial move!
Golfing with Financial Perks
Now here’s something you might not have thought about: your credit card can be your new best friend on the golf course! Take the Chase Sapphire credit card, for example. It’s the official card of the PGA championship, which means cardholders enjoy exclusive access to special ticket packages and can lounge in a Chase Sapphire Lounge during the event. You can catch the action in premium viewing areas while snacking on tasty refreshments. How cool is that?
But the perks don’t stop at event access! Some Chase credit cards also come with memberships to the Luxury Hotels and Resorts program. You might not score the lowest room rates, but these cards come packed with incentives like free breakfasts, room upgrades, and sometimes even complimentary rounds of golf. Imagine waking up to a stunning view and being able to play a free round before breakfast!
Preferred Golf Collection
If you’re looking for something a bit different, the Preferred Golf Collection might be just what you need. This group of hotels has special golf packages waiting for you, including complimentary rounds of golf for every two nights you stay. Some notable names in this collection are the luxurious Grand Velas in Mexico and the serene Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort right here in the U.S. Plus, if you’re more of a spa lover, you can opt for a $75 resort credit instead of the round of golf. Win-win!
Collecting Points While You Play
Now here’s where things get particularly interesting: racking up points while you play! Choice Hotels recently introduced its Golf by Choice program, allowing members to earn points on golfing gear and outings at affiliated courses. Even if you’re not staying at a Choice hotel, you can still book your tee time through their site and earn those precious points! Who wouldn’t want to stack up to 1,500 points for just one round?
And it doesn’t stop there! Marriott Bonvoy members can cash in on their points when playing golf at Marriott Golf Clubs worldwide. Rounding out your experience with points is a no-brainer. You can use those points for more than just hotel stays—you can also exchange them for gift cards for golf lessons and spa services. Talk about versatility!
Keep an Eye on Special Offers
Don’t forget, some loyalty programs offer unique opportunities to redeem points for special experiences. For instance, Hilton Honors has previously given members chances to get access to exclusive events like the Masters tournament. While those offers pop up sporadically, it’s smart to keep checking the program for any golf-related activities that might catch your eye.
Travel Smart with Golf
Traveling out of state to explore new courses? Consider signing up for Swiss International Air Lines’ Golf Traveller program. This annual membership can save you money with perks like no fees for checking your golf clubs. Plus, they often provide discounts on car rentals as well as golf products. If you make golfing a habit, this membership could pay off in spades!
The Bottom Line
This summer, as you plan your golfing adventures, remember that your credit cards and loyalty programs can turn a simple outing into a treasure trove of rewards. Whether you’re playing a round with friends or enjoying a luxurious stay at a resort, the benefits are real! So grab those clubs, hit the course, and snag those points—it’s time to golf with purpose!